Tea Time

From Shenanchie

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Tea time is perhaps one of the last vestiges of civilization, the last bastion of a cultured society; the ultimate in good company and conversation; and last but not least, one of the most refreshing and contenting experiences one is apt to have. Although I have a lot of Irish blood flowing through my veins, there is that one part of me that has always been enchanted by the English tea traditions. Years ago I read a book that contained references to the British Royal Family and their tea traditions, and I was hooked. Of course, it also helps that I personally love tea and have several cups a day.

If you dislike tea, read no further. What follows is a glorification of the beverage, along with its customs, traditions and a few exquisite tea-time recipes. This is a personal essay, and is by no means a reference point. At the end of the article, I will also provide a few links to tea-related sites that I found to be especially original and informative. So sit back and relax – and have a cuppa.

Article Contents:

Brief History of Tea

Making A Good Cuppa

Recipe: Half-Pint Scones

Serving the Tea

Tea Etiquette

Health Benefits of Tea

Tea Links

Brief History of Tea:

It is said that tea was discovered in 2737 BC when the Chinese Emperor, Shen Nung, sat beneath a tree while a servant boiled water. A leaf from the tree wafted into the boiling water, and the Emperor decided he would try the brew. The tree he was sitting under was a wild tea tree, and thus the wonder we know as tea was essentially born.

Perhaps it’s not that simple, but the legend endures. From this time in ancient China, tea drizzled down through the centuries and found it’s way to Japan, India, Portugal, France, Holland and the Arab countries - although not necessarily in that order. Tea was first introduced into England in the late 1700’s.

If you're a tea authority, you know that the Duchess of Bedford is credited with originating the idea of afternoon tea in the early 1800’s. She thought of the idea to stave off hunger pangs before the evening meal. Tea Gardens flourished, serving bread and butter with the brew. In rural communities, afternoon tea evolved into "high tea," and almost became a meal in itself. Along with the hot tea, meats, breads and cakes were served. High Tea is another acronym for "afternoon tea," and it became such in rural communities and evolved into the main meal of the day. High tea was a cross between afternoon tea, and the dinner that was normally served in homes in the early evening. Tea also became an important social event, when people (especially women) would gather in their elegant drawing rooms and partake of their afternoon cuppa, talking discreetly about local events. A general rule of etiquette was always followed during these gatherings, but we'll get to that a little farther into the article.

In England, Tea Shops were created in the mid-1800’s, when the manager of a bread company persuaded her employers to let her serve tea and other refreshments in her shop. This was a bit of a milestone in women’s emancipation, as "un-chaperoned" women were allowed to meet her friends in a tea shop without besmirching her reputation. "Nursery Tea" was another form of afternoon tea, and was partaken by nannies of wealthier families, and was also a more substantial meal that general afternoon tea. However, on another note, tea for the working class (or middle class) usually signified a break from work (or "tea break"), much in the same way as Americans have their "coffee breaks."

For me, there is nothing more soothing than a wonderful cup of tea. Nowadays I drink a lot of coffee as well, but I reserve the afternoons and evenings for a hot cup of tea. I prefer English Breakfast or Irish Breakfast teas, along with Chai Tea, and I never use sugar or lemon. I simply add lots of milk or the creamy equivalent known as liquid Coffee Mate©. I feel content after my cuppa, and somehow nourished and replenished. No matter who you are, you need a part of the day for yourself where you can muse about a variety of subjects and take stock of your own day. Nothing compliments that better than a good cup of tea.

Making A Good Cuppa:

There are methods – some of them time-honored and very traditional – to making a good cup of tea. Some of these methods vary from country to country, but I've found the British method to be the most effective. Plus, it just makes the tea taste better.

You need to start out with all of the necessary implements for a good tea, and this includes the tea pot, tea cups, saucers, a spoon, a tea ball (optional, pictured at right), a tea strainer and of course, the tea. Other cutlery, such as knives for the tea food, a bowl for sugar, a small jug of milk or cream, and forks for the lemon, are all dependant on what type of tea you're having. I'm usually on my own, so I don't need a lot of those things, but if you're having a special tea with friends, the paraphernalia can vary.

Although steeped in tradition, brewing a pot of tea is actually very simple. The tea pot should either be china or pottery. Heat-resistant glass would also work, but it wouldn't be as attractive. The tea pot should also be kept very clean, and washed after each use. Pre-warming the tea pot is also another element of a good cuppa. I pour boiling water into the tea pot, and let it sit for a minute or two, sometimes swishing the water around gently so that it touches the entire inside surface. Drain the water, and add your own tea leaves into the warmed pot. A safe ratio of tea to water is about 1 ½ teaspoon of tea per one cup of water.

Another essential in actually brewing the tea is to use fresh water, preferably very cold, before boiling. I have an electric kettle that I am very fond of, and I use it regularly when heating up water for tea. Once boiled, pour the water over the tea leaves. One good hint is to have the water in a violent boil when pouring onto the leaves.

At this point, I generally cover the tea pot and let the tea steep for about four to five minutes but this will also depend on your desired strength. Strain the tea through a tea-strainer (pictured at right) into another warmed tea pot, and quickly cover with the lid again. If don't have a tea-strainer on hand, use a closely-knit wire mesh colander.

Typical foods served at a proper tea might consist of scones, clotted cream, muffins, thin-cut brown bread with butter, jam and honey, marmalade, soft-boiled eggs, curds, and fish and meat pastes. Sandwich selections can include diced cheese and tomato, grated egg, cucumber, breast of chicken, tongue and ham, potted shrimps, cakes, pastry boats with icing and biscuits.

One of my tea-time favorites:

Half-Pint Scones

1 or 2 loaves of frozen bread dough

Oil or margarine for frying

 

This recipe will surprise you. Simply buy the frozen bread dough already pre-shaped (such as Rhodes or Flavorite), and let the loaves raise normally overnight. Once they have fully risen and have become fairly large, gently combine them together in a bowl and let them stand for about another half-hour. Heat some oil or margarine in an electric skillet (a frying pan would work, but not as well). Grab a handful of the bread dough, and gently stretch it out lengthwise, kneading and shaping with your hands. Once the length is about 6 to 8 inches long and fairly sturdy, fold it over in half. Dredge one side of the dough in the hot oil, and then place the other side down in the pan. Repeat with the remaining dough. Cover and cook on about 350° F for 15 minutes. Once one side has browned nicely, turn over with a spatula and brown the other side. Add more margarine if need be. Serve these scones hot, and with plenty of butter and preserves. Simply marvelous with tea.

Serving the Tea:

If you have planned a tea party with several guests, it’s a good idea to have a "pourer" designated before the whole affair begins. The "pourer" should keep an eye on everyone’s cup to ensure they remain full, and when pouring the tea itself always leave off about ¾ of the way from the top of the cup. This is to allow the pourer to ask if the guest would like sugar, lemon or milk. It’s not recommended that cream is used with hot tea; it tends to curdle in the hot brew and masks the true flavor of the tea.

If the tea is a buffet style, allow the guests to choose their own food from the buffet table. Another rather elegant way to serve the tea edibles is to load a large caddy with wheels; go to each guest as they are seated and let them choose their food. If I had my way, I'd love to hire a "butler" in coat and tails just for the occasion, and let him do the serving.

Tea Etiquette:

There are some very definite standards for "tea etiquette" in various circles, and I've gathered together some of the more entertaining rules:

• Rise to greet your guests, and shake hands with them.

• Try a little of each course offered.

• Take small bites of food so you can still converse politely.

• Spread your biscuit or muffin first with jam or jelly, and then the cream.

• Look into your cup of tea while drinking.

• Don't extend your pinkie finger when drinking from your teacup.

• Don't place your napkin on the table until you are ready to leave.

• Don't gesture with utensils while speaking.

• Don't touch your face or head during teatime.

• When stirring your tea, don't let the spoon bang against the sides of the cup.

• Don't sip your tea from the stirring spoon.

• After stirring, place your spoon on the right side of the saucer next to the cup.

• Swallow your food before you sip your tea.

Some of these rules may seem a bit antiquated and unrealistic. But we live in the age of hustle and bustle and rudeness, and it’s nice to be able to treat one another with kind courtesy and to learn a few of the social rules of an age gone passed.

Health Benefits of Tea:

According to studies conducted by various health organizations, drinking black tea promotes healthy heart arteries, which might explain why tea-drinkers have a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. A related report said tea strengthens the cardio-vascular system. Another study revealed that English women over the age of 65 who drank one to six cups of tea per day, had denser skeletons than women who did not. Although tea contains caffeine, it has less than half of what a cup of coffee consists of, and the study went on to say that tea has compounds that may mimic bone-building effects of estrogen in postmenopausal women.

A new study from the Medical College of Georgia states that antioxidant polyphenols in green tea not only prevents oral cancer cells from growing, but also eliminates cancer cells that are already present and helps healthy cells survive.

Tea Links:

Etiquette at a Japanese Tea Ceremony

Tea Etiquette & Protocol

Tea Time Etiquette

Tea Time Traditions

Tea Time World

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